Air India flight bound to Ahmedabad has returned to the airport in Delhi shortly after take-off following a “smoke indication” from the aircraft’s cargo hold area. All passengers were safely deboarded upon landing.
Smoke indication in AI2939
Flight AI2939, carrying around 170 passengers, turned back as a precaution after the cockpit received the alert, news agency PTI reported. The airline’s ground staff facilitated the safe disembarkation of passengers and crew.
According to an Air India spokesperson quoted by the news agency ANI, the flight returned as part of standard operating protocols, and all the passengers are safe.
“The crew operating flight Al2939 from Delhi to Ahmedabad on 27 November decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a smoke indication in the cargo hold area, which was later found to be false after the aircraft underwent thorough precautionary checks,” the official told ANI.
‘Immediate assistance provided to passengers’
“Following standard operating procedure, the aircraft landed in Delhi, and the passengers and crew were disembarked safely,” the official added.
The spokesperson further assured that alternate arrangements were made to fly passengers to Ahmedabad at the earliest. “Our ground team at Delhi had provided immediate assistance to the passengers, and alternative arrangements were made to fly them to their destination at the earliest,” the official further said.
“Any inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation is sincerely regretted. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain top priority,” it further said.
Mohammed Siraj lashes out at Air India Express
On Thursday, Air India Express came under fire after cricketer Mohammed Siraj took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise the airline over a four-hour delay.
“Air India flight no IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad was supposed to take off at 7.25. However, there has been no communication from the airline, and after repeatedly following up, they have just delayed the flight with no proper reasoning,” Siraj’s now-viral, strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter) read.
He added that the basic communication was the least that passengers expect in such situations. “This has been really frustrating, and this is the basic ask by every passenger. Flight delayed by 4 hours and still no update has left us stranded.”
Towards the end of his post, he tagged the airline and said that he wouldn’t recommend Air India Express to anyone. “Worst airline experience. I really would not advise anyone to take this flight if they can’t take a stand.”
Air India Express later issued an apology, stating the delay and cancellation were due to “unforeseen operational reasons”. The airline added, “Our team at the airport is actively assisting all guests with the necessary arrangements.”
“We understand how difficult this situation is, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be assured that our team will continue to keep you updated and extend all possible support,” it further said.